The short answer
NextMe is waitlist and virtual waiting room software for service businesses. Walk-Ins Welcome is a walk-in app for barbershops, salons and small clinics.
Both skip the app download and run the line from a phone browser. The difference that matters most: on NextMe's free plan, customers can't check themselves in. Self check-in starts on its paid plans. On Walk-Ins Welcome it's free, and your page shows you as taking walk-ins only after someone on your team taps "I'm here."
Side by side
| Walk-Ins Welcome | NextMe | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: 500 finished visits a month per location | Yes: 1 user, 100 texts a month |
| Customers check themselves in on the free plan | Yes, by QR code, link or kiosk | No, self check-in starts on Starter |
| Paid plans | One plan, $39 per location a month (at launch) | Starter $49.99 and Business $79.99 a month billed yearly ($59.99 and $99.99 monthly) |
| Texts | 500 a month with the $39 plan (coming) | 100 free, 3,000 on Starter, 5,000 on Business |
| When customers see "open" | Only after a team member taps "I'm here" | Not described on NextMe's pages |
| Customer app needed | No | No |
| Waiting-room screen | Free | Public waitlist display on every plan |
| Free web page for your business | Yes, built from your Google listing | Not found on NextMe's pages |
Walk-Ins Welcome prices are our launch plan. NextMe facts are from its own pages on the date at the top.
Where NextMe is stronger
- It's running today, with real customers and strong review ratings. Walk-Ins Welcome is just opening.
- WhatsApp alerts are on every NextMe plan. We don't offer WhatsApp.
- Your own brand. NextMe's Business plan can remove NextMe's name entirely (white label).
- Reports and exports on its Business plan go further than ours do today.
Where Walk-Ins Welcome is stronger
- Self check-in is free. Customers scan a QR code or tap a link and join the line themselves, on the free plan. NextMe lists self check-in from Starter up.
- Less to pay when you grow. Our one paid plan is $39 per location a month. NextMe's first paid plan is $49.99 a month billed yearly, or $59.99 month to month.
- "Open" means someone's there. Your page says you're taking walk-ins only after a team member taps "I'm here," and stops when they close for the day.
- A free web page for your business. Built from your Google listing, showing the live wait, so customers can decide to come over now.
- Made for shops and clinics, with storefront designs for barbershops, salons and clinics instead of one generic look (at launch).
Choose NextMe if
- You need WhatsApp notifications or full white labeling.
- You run one-time events or need custom integrations and phone support (its Custom plan).
- You want software that's already in use.
Choose Walk-Ins Welcome if
- You want customers checking themselves in without paying for it.
- You're a barbershop, salon or small clinic, and walk-ins are most of your day.
- You want your page to say "open" only when someone is actually there.
Walk-Ins Welcome is opening soon. See how other apps compare, or leave your email below and we'll tell you the day it opens.
Sources
- NextMe pricing
- NextMe home page (QR, kiosk and website check-in; no app download)
- NextMe for beauty and wellness
